Top Things To Do In Cappadocia

Cappadocia is more than just a trendy, instagram-worthy spot. Year-round, the region offers a variety of activities for friends, couples, and families. If you plan to travel to the area, this list of the top ten things to do in Cappadocia will definitely keep you busy.

Cappadocia is just as magical as it photographs and is definitely worth the hype.

1. Soar in a hot air balloon!

Coming in at #1 … must do, don’t skip. Yeah, the IG photos from the ground are artsy and make for a cool aesthetic grid, but actually experiencing it from inside a hot air balloon in real time is everything.

Because hot air balloons ride are in such high demand, a large number of companies now offer flights. Make sure to budget at least $200-$300 for a ride. Prices vary depending on the size of the carriage and amount of people within the balloon. I loved my experience with Turquaz Balloons. We used them mainly because they were affiliated with our hotel and offered a discounted rate. Other highly rated companies to choose from are Butterfly Balloons and Royal Balloons.

Helpful Tip: I am afraid of heights and went into this a bit uneasy, but I can assure you the flight is smooth and comfortable and the railing is chest high so don’t worry about falling over.

2. Experience a Turkish hamam!

Next, you can not [I repeat, can not] come to Turkey without booking a day of self-love and pampering at a Turkish hamam. Sightseeing in Cappadocia can be physically exhausting, so spend a part of your day relaxing with a traditional Turkish experience. These spas know exactly how to leave you feeling truly refreshed. And, the best part is you don’t have to break the bank!

For the best experience in the area, I would suggest either

Panoramic Cave Spa or Kelebek Hamam & Spa.

3. Ride ATVs at sunset.

This excursion is extremely popular amongst young tourists.. I’m talking over 100 people. But don’t fret; you’re divided into small groups where you’ll ride through Love Valley and Rose Valley. Most tours have at least one to two stops where you can grab snacks and epic photos. You’ll complete the tour atop a hill watching an enchanting sunset.

Book here 🙂

Helpful Tip: Bring cash for snacks and do not wear nice clothes; you will get dusty!

4. Watch an epic sunrise and sunset.

Balloons actually start to take off before sunrise. Get to your spot at least 20 minutes before sunrise begins to watch hundreds of balloons firing up in the early morning light. Without a car, hotel rooftops are some of the most convenient and popular spots to watch the sunrise. Sultan Cave Suites and Mithra Cave Hotels both offer an undeniably enchanting experience.

Sunset Point (also known as Lover’s Hill or Asiklar Tepesi) is a wooden platform located at the top of a steep cliff overlooking Göreme. It is a short, but steep walk from Göreme center. Because of its epic views, the area gets quite crowded during sunrise and sunset. If you need a sip of coffee to help you wake up, there is a small cafe near the top!

One of the top magical moments during your trip to Cappadocia!

5. Visit Uchisar Castle.

Uchisar Castle is located in the nearby town of Uchisar which is about a 10 minute drive from Göreme center. What was once a major strategic defensive point now attracts visitors for breathtaking, panoramic views of the surrounding towns, valleys and magical fairy chimneys from the highest point in Cappadocia.

Helpful Tip: The Red Tour (see below) ends with a sunset viewing from Uchisar Castle.

6. Go horseback riding in the Valley.

With the vastness of the valley around Cappadocia, one of the best ways to see it is on horseback. Moonlight Horse Ranch, located in the center of Goreme, offers a sunset tour, two hour tours, one hour tours, or a sunrise / hot air balloon picture taking tour.

7. Go hiking!

Pigeon Valley (also known as Guvercinlik Valley, named for all the pigeon houses carved into the mountain) is among the most popular hiking trails in Cappadocia. Its 6km route stretches between Goreme to Uchisar. Many hikers opt to start in Uchisar and finish in Goreme, which is more convenient if staying in Goreme and a slightly more downhill path.

If you plan travel in the dead of summer, there are places to stop along the way for refreshments.

The trails within Rose Valley, Meskendir Valley, and Red Valley are also popular hiking choices. The Meskendir trail passes through caves, tunnels and churches and eventually connects to Red & Rose Valley. You can opt for just one valley path or choose the ultimate experience and hike all three together in about 5 hours. If you only have enough time for one, I would opt for Rose Valley!

8. Visit the Open Air Museum.

If you’re interested in learning more about the culture and rich history of Cappadocia, then check out the Göreme Open Air Museum. This UNESCO Heritage Site is an extremely popular museum as its only a 15 minute walk from Göreme city center. The self tour through the complex and monastery caves built between the 10th and 12th centuries includes an audio guide. The total cost is 30 Turkish lira or approximately $5 USD.

9. Tour the Underground City.

Derinkuyu Underground City is an ancient multi-level city built completely underground. It’s so large, that it was estimated to have housed as many as 20,000 people together with their livestock and food stores. It was built to protect its inhabitants from wars and religious persecutions.

It was one of the most fascinating things I’d ever seen! Opt out if you are claustrophobic, as some of the paths through the city require bending down through narrow paths.

Helpful Tip: Derinkuyu Underground City is included in the Green Tour of Cappadocia. For the best experience, I would suggest hiring a guide!

10. Tour the different regions.

The following group tours include transportation, a knowledgable English-speaking tour guide, entrance fees and lunch. Tours are separated into three different colored tours: RED, GREEN and BLUE. I suggest the red or green routes.